Let the nesting begin!

The countdown begins as my husband and I eagerly await the arrival of our second child. With our due date approaching, we take turns guessing the possibility of an early delivery.

As predicted, our baby boy joined the world 4 weeks early. Healthy as can be, we were now a family of four. 

One, Two, Three

If you are anything like me, you hate being in hospitals for more than 20 minutes. Which means you probably dread the 3-day hold period after childbirth.

All I wanted to hear from the nurse popping in on me every 30 minutes was... "You're being discharged!" 

Welcome home, sweet angel.

Finally, we're walking (more like jogging!) out of the hospital with the car seat in my husband's arms. We were ready to just...be. Nestled in our quiet home, our baby boy sleeps.

It felt like time stopped just for us.

What day is it anyway?

We have entered our 4th trimester. This is the period where your hair gets washed once a week... (if you remember), and you settle for wearing your pajamas all day long just to keep the laundry load down. 

 

It's not supposed to be this way...

Struggling daily to pull things together, we found ourselves comparing our first child's homecoming to our current situation. We began to question what we were doing wrong. 

Why is our baby so fussy? 

Could he be sick? 

or even worse.... Colic

 

Homebodies

As each crying spell grew longer, our social events drifted further away. 

Small tasks became unmanageable, and shopping for food at the local market was overwhelmingly stressful.

As a mom, I felt like I was failing. 

I prayed.

In the mists of the noise, I got distracted. Worry and doubt became the leading thoughts in my mind. I needed help. 

I prayed. 

I prayed for patience and understanding. 

As tears rolled down my face, I prayed.

 

Safe to rest

Swaying back and forth while listening to the cry of an overly tired baby, I whisper, "It's okay," nearly a dozen times.

The screaming got louder as the minutes passed, but inside, I felt calm for the first time. Holding him close, I kissed his head and said, "Just rest."

Thinking if he only knew I had him safe in my arms. 

Safe to rest.

 

Unexpected truth

Then a familiar voice said those same words..."Just rest." Only this time those words were for me. Instant peace rushed over me as I stood holding my crying baby.

I knew then what God was trying to tell me. 

 

Everything is going to be okay.

Just like mothers to their children, God is our safe place to rest. He knows what lies ahead and knows our every need.

He met me that day in the middle of my little storm when I was feeling defeated and run down.

He held me tight just as us mommies hold our little babies. 

Reminding me that everything is going to be okay. 

Just Rest.

 

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

 

Whether you are a first-time mommy or welcoming your fifth child into the world, parenting can be hard.

Despite all the not-so-good days, being a mother is an amazing blessing.

So, if you're in the middle of a storm, I encourage you to pause.

Pause for thanks in the little moments of unwashed hair and a messy home.
Pause for patience in the crazy yet beautiful life that surrounds you.
and above all things...

Pause for prayer.